Police Association Proposal (Press, 10 June 1980)

In a recent development in New Zealand, police actions in Auckland have sparked significant demonstrations from the gay community, reflecting a growing sense of solidarity among gay individuals. This wave of protest highlights rising tensions surrounding the enforcement of existing laws, a concern noted by Dr R. A. Moodie, secretary of the Police Association. For the first time, the organised response from the gay community is seen as a substantial force that the police cannot ignore. Dr Moodie's recommendations appear to suggest a strategy of "divide and rule," as he has proposed to classify various sexual acts in a way that notably excludes sodomy from what he deems a "harmless" category. This differentiation has met with resistance, as critics reference the Wolfenden Report, which essentially argues that such classifications are unfounded and unjust. The report notably challenged the moral, physical, and emotional distinctions made between different sexual activities, calling into question the credibility of Dr Moodie’s selective stance on sodomy. Critics, such as Paul Maling, have emphasised that the burden of proof now lies with Dr Moodie to either justify his position against sodomy or acknowledge that his recommendations may serve more as a protective measure for police interests rather than genuine concern for the well-being of harassed homosexuals. This situation underscores the evolving landscape of gay rights and the tensions arising from the enforcement of laws perceived as discriminatory.

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